Recommended

Daily Prayer - 2013-10-23

Presence

Freedom

It is so easy to get caught up
with the trappings of wealth in this life.
Grant, O Lord, that I may be free
from greed and selfishness.
Remind me that the best things in life are free.
Love, laughter, caring and sharing.

Consciousness

Where do I sense hope, encouragement, and growth areas in my life?
By looking back over the last few months, I may be able to see which activities and occasions have produced rich fruit.
If I do notice such areas, I will determine to give those areas both time and space in the future.

The Word of God

Luke 12:39-48

'But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.'
Peter said, 'Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?' And the Lord said, 'Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, "My master is delayed in coming", and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

Some thoughts on today's scripture

Active

Default

The disciples still haven’t understood Jesus’ message about being ready. The drama of Jesus’ parable is perhaps a bit exaggerated in order to stress its importance. Peter is trying to figure out if the story is supposed to refer directly to himself and the other apostles or does Jesus mean the relationship between God and Israel in general. Both are implied.

When it comes to leadership and those who are in authority in the community of believers, the parable points out how much more they have to account for because of their trusted positions of power.

I could pray around the questions of where my own responsibilities lie and whether I fulfil them in a loving and committed way.